Exploring the employment experiences of Inuit receiving employability services at Ivirtivik

Sianna Williamson

Impact

  • This project supports better mental health for Inuit individuals by identifying barriers and supports related to employment in Montréal.

  • It highlights how cultural and social differences in hiring processes can create stress and challenges, and emphasizes the need for culturally safe workplaces.

  • The findings will help build stronger connections between Inuit communities and non-Indigenous employers, contributing to more inclusive and supportive work environments.

  • Quebec

  • Studentship

  • McGill University

  • Ivirtivik

  • Mitacs, Indigenous Women’s Fund of Canada

  • 2025-2026

  • Indigenous Mental Health

  • Indigenous Communities, People at Work

About the Project

This project explored employment experiences of Inuit individuals receiving services at a community organization in Montréal and aimed to identify factors that help or hinder employment, including cultural, social, and systemic influences. The project was an early step toward developing culturally appropriate tools to support Inuit employment and well-being.

Methodology

The project used a qualitative, community-informed approach grounded in Inuit knowledge and values. Group discussions (focus groups) were conducted with 13 participants. The research followed principles of collaboration, inclusion, and consensus-building to ensure the process was respectful and meaningful. The approach combined Western research methods with Inuit ways of knowing.

Findings

Preliminary findings suggest that:

  • Employment barriers go beyond language differences

  • Differences in social norms between Inuit and Western systems make job-seeking more complex

  • Navigating these differences can create stress and impact mental health

Analyses are ongoing, and further insights will be developed as the project continues.

Project Outreach

The project engaged 16 community members, including participants and contributors, with approximately 15 hours of direct engagement. Planned outreach includes a community event to share results, as well as future presentations and collaborative knowledge-sharing activities.

Resources Created

  • No formal resources created yet.

  • Planned future outputs include community presentations, co-developed tools, and collaborative publication.